Applying an acidic solution to the cloaca of broiler carcasses before picking can significantly reduce Campylobacter contamination, according to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.
Campylobacter bacteria counts increase after feather picking. This could be coming from contaminated machines, airborne contaminants or cecal discharges.
Day-old broiler chicks can be exposed to, and colonized, by pathogenic bacteria through a number of routes. This must be prevented to protect food safety.
Campylobacter and Salmonella are leading causes of human bacterial foodborne disease. What is the role of the transport coops in spreading this contamination in broiler chickens?